The health care system in Newfoundland and Labrador says there is a significant shortage of paramedics, and that is causing issues as government works to restructure emergency medical transportation. The union which represents paramedics is happy that the people who make the decisions are finally acknowledging the shortage.
NL Health Services CEO Pat Parfrey. (VOCM News/file)
Dr. Pat Parfrey, the CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, says it’s an issue they’re trying to resolve.
He says we do not yet have enough paramedics and ambulances on the road, but having Medavie manage the system will bring about a big improvement, says Dr. Parfrey.
“In the end, I think we’ll have a more efficient ambulance system.”
Nova Scotia recruiting paramedics from Australia says NAPE
NAPE President Jerry Earle says they have been telling that to the powers-that-be for years. He says it’s not only paramedics, but they’re also in need of EMTs and dispatchers.
“Nova Scotia, for example, just went down to Australia and recruited paramedics so we may have to look at that route,” says Earle. “We can’t wait until young people are in grade 12 and have their career decisions made – we have to start talking to them early about becoming a paramedic or EMT.”
